With rights for more than 400 new franchise stores slated for development by existing franchisees in the next 15 years, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has selected Max Sheets to join the team in its newly created position of vice president of real estate.

"Real estate decisions are critical to our success and an area of ever-increasing importance in our office and among our franchise community," says Freddy's president Bill Simon. "Max has 30 years of experience in restaurant real estate development, and we look forward to his perspective on the team.

"He will be on the road a majority of the time, proposing new sites, screening those that our franchisees are ready to move on, and working with landlords and local officials to negotiate contracts and zoning," he adds.

Most recently, Sheets served as senior vice president of real estate and development at Smashburger's headquarters in Denver. His prior experience includes similar positions with Ted's Montana Grill, Fox and Hound, and Lone Star Steakhouse.

With each opportunity, Sheets worked to streamline the real estate acquisition process and shorten the construction timeline through periods of high growth.

"Freddy's phenomenal future growth reflects the market's appreciation for quality food, cleanliness, and hospitality," Sheets says. "They have developed a great toolbox of options for real estate analysis, and the company principals have decades of combined real estate experience.

"Freddy's feels like a great place for me to jump in and add value to their operation," he continues. "As you might expect, their office has welcomed me with a great deal of hospitality. I am trying to absorb as much of the operation as possible and looking for ways to share my most relevant experience."